After participating in a premier wilderness pre-orientation program at Towson University, Ian quickly became hooked on outdoor and experiential education. He worked his way through the ranks and the training during his undergraduate studies and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Anthropology with a concentration in criminal justice.

After attending his second AORE conference in Ashville, NC, Ian decided to pursue his passion for teaching and instructing in the outdoor recreation industry. Although his brother calls it a masters of camping, Ian went on to receive a Master of Science degree in Recreation Administration with a concentration in outdoor pursuits from George Williams College of Aurora University in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. During his graduate work, he was able to blend his previous practical experiences with an academic foundation and applied the combined forces in his assistantship with Outdoor Wisconsin Leadership School (OWLS). Additionally, Ian continued to dial his skills through co-creating and completing a wonderful professional internship at Rice University under the direction of Nathan McKinnis.